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From the Anan Bear Observatory to the Stikine River, the areas
in and around Wrangell Island abound with wildlife and offer
many opportunties for viewing and photography. Uplands of Wrangell
Island, Stikine River riparian and estuary areas, rocky intertidal
beaches, salt and fresh water marshes, alpine meadows, high country
lakes and old-growth rainforest provide habitat for more than
400 species of birds and 100 species of mammals. These varied
habitat zones allow predatory birds, waterfowl, shore birds,
land and marine mammals to call Southeast Alaska home.
The Stikine River delta provides extensive habitat that supports
three major concentrations of birds every spring. Bald Eagles
stop for the first run of hooligan (smelt), making this the largest
gathering of eagles in North America for this time of year. Evidence
of the healthy population can be seen in the large nests found
in the cottonwoods along the river valley. During the summer
we can often see Eagles feeding their young while perched on
their massive homes.Vast stretches of saltwater marshes and grasses,
make the Stikine delta flats an ideal stopping point on the Pacific
Flyway for Snow Geese. Later in the spring, thousands of huge
flocks of shorebirds stop at the Stikine on their trip back to
the north. It is a remarkable sight to watch these birds wheel
and turn in great formations.
Beginning in May we offer day jet boat trips into this enviornment
rich in both history and natural wonders. Journeys begin at 9
am and return between 4 and 6 pm depending on conditions. Pleasecontact
us if you have specific dates as these trips are scheduled based
on interest. Cost is $175.00 per person and includes beverages
and taxes. Discounts are given for groups of 4 or more. We also
offer kayak trips on the river.
A combination of upland old growth forest, muskeg and alpine
meadows provides the habitat necessary for up to 38 different
land mammals. These include black and brown bear, Sitka black-tailed
deer, mountain goat, land otter, moose, wolves, marten, and wolverine.
Upland birds commonly seen are blue grouse, great horned owls,
ravens, crows and even rufous hummingbirds.  The
Anan
Wildlife Observatory provides a great opportunity
to study the interactions of species and the cycles of nature.
A short hike on a well maintained trail leads through the rainforest
along the banks of a saltwater lagoon where bear, seals, eagles,
otters and more feed on berries, invertebrates and salmon. From
the safety of the observatory platform above a waterfall, we
watch bears fish in the pools where salmon rest from their attemp
to jump the many cascades in the quest for their spawning grounds.
Eagles await their turn in the branches above, occasionally sweeping
down with talons spread to whisk an unfortunate fish to a nearby
feeding spot. Trips begin and end in Wrangell and cost $190.00
per person. This price includes a 60 minute boat ride each way,
taxes, USFS fees, permits and beverages. Lunch is not provided.
Please note that beginning in 2004 ALL users must have a permit
to visit Anan. We also offer transportation and/or guiding
services for those guests who secure their own permits through
the US Forest Service Wrangell Ranger District (907-874-2323.)
Please contact us directly for prices.
Nutrient rich waters of the North Pacific encourage a substantial
community of marine mammals and birds. Harbor seals, Northern
Sea Lions, Sea Otters, and Dall Porpoise are among the many animals
that call S.E. Alaska home. During the summer and fall we watch
anxiously for the Killer and Humpback Whales as they make their
annual northward migration. It is in the waters of Alaska where
they feed on schools of herring rich in oil. Scientists from
Hawaii travel here to observe the bubble feeding rituals of the
same whale they watched raise it's calf in their warm waters.
Loons, grebes, cormorants, waterfowl, terns, gulls, and alcids
of several varieties call these rich waters home. Rafts of scoters
and pigeon guillemonts gather where tidal currents concentrate
food. It is also fortunate for us that five species of pacific
salmon, shrimp, Dungeness Crab, Halibut, rockfish, Ling cod are
among the many fish species feeding along the underwater valleys
and reefs of our home.
Alaska Vistas Inc.
P.O. Box 2245
103 Front St.
Wrangell, Alaska 99929
Toll Free 1-866-874-3006
Tel 1-907-874-3006
Fax 1-907 874-2997
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